Welcome to Winter Carnival 2023
Tasty Foods For Wintry Moods
Organized by Blue Key National Honor Society since 1934, Winter Carnival started in 1922 and has grown into one of the biggest annual winter celebrations in the nation. Known for huge, intricate snow statues around campus and the community, Carnival also brings Huskies together to compete in broomball, comedy skits, human ice bowling, and a royalty coronation.
2023 Overall Results
Congratulations to Phi Kappa Tau, overall Winter Carnival 2023 winners!
Division Winners
- First Place Men's: Phi Kappa Tau
- Second Place Men's: Tau Kappa Epsilon
- Third Place Men's: Four Wheelers of Michigan Tech
- First Place Women's: Alpha Sigma Tau
- Second Place Women's: Society of Women Engineers
- First Place Co-Ed's: St. Albert the Great University Parish
- Second Place Co-Ed's: Alpha Gamma Delta and Sigma Tau Gamma
- Third Place Co-Ed's: Army ROTC
Special Events
- First Place Overall: Phi Kappa Tau
- First Place Men's: Phi Kappa Tau
- First Place Women's: Alpha Sigma Tau
- First Place Coed: St. Albert the Great University Parish
Stage Revue
- First Place and Audience Choice: Catholic Campus Ministries at St. Al's
- Second Place: Delta Phi Epsilon + Beta Sigma Theta
- Third Place: Phi Kappa Tau
Statue Results
Month-Long Statues
Division Winners
- First: Phi Kappa Tau
- Second: Tau Kappa Epsilon
- Third: Alpha Gamma Delta and Sigma Tau Gamma
Co-Ed Division
All-Nighter Statues
Division Winners
- First: St. Albert the Great University Parish
- Second: Swing Club
- Third: The Navigators
Men's Division
Co-Ed Division
Featured Photos
View more photos on FlickrSpecial Events
Broomball
Teams will play each other for two 10 minute periods with a 1 minute half time. All players must have a valid Michigan Tech ID to play. Teams that do not have four players on the ice within five minutes after their scheduled game time will automatically forfeit the game. All players should review the complete list of broomball rules.
Cross Country Skiing
Organizations will provide two or three member teams to compete in a roughly 2-kilometer cross country ski race. This event will take place on the Isle Royale Trail at the Tech Trails. This event is scored based on the total time of all three team members. Teams consisting of fewer than three members will have the slowest contestant of the day’s time included in their total time for every person missing.
Curling
In curling teams slide stones across a sheet of ice toward a target similar to a bullseye. Points are awarded for stones closest to the center of the target after each team has thrown eight stones. Teams of three to four participants will participate in this event which takes place at the Drill House in Calumet, Michigan. The style of this tournament is head to head single elimination.
Downhill Skiing
Teams with a minimum of two and/or a maximum of five participants will compete in this Giant Slalom style event. In Giant Slalom skiers weave through gates to reach the finish line. The times of the top three finishers for each team will be combined for a team total. This event will take place at Mont Ripley Ski Hill. Teams consisting of less than three members will have the slowest contestant of the day’s time included in their total time for every person missing.
Downhill Snowboarding
Teams with a maximum of five participants will compete in this Giant Slalom style event. In this Giant Slalom, snowboarders weave through gates to reach the finish line. The times of the top three finishers for each team will be combined for a team total. Teams consisting of less than three members will have the slowest contestant of the day's time included in their total time for every person missing. This event will take place at Mont Ripley Ski Hill.
Human Dog Sled Races
Race to the finish line in this 100-yard snowy sled dash! In this event there are six people pulling a sled that holds four riders and one musher. Each team must race in a homemade sled.
Ice Bowling
Teams consisting of no more than 10 members will compete in this version of bowling on ice. One team member will ride on a sled to act as the ball and will be slid down a nine foot wide ice lane to knock down as many pins as possible. Teams will complete six frames scored the same as regular bowling. This event will be held at the Dee Stadium.
Snow Soccer
Teams of five will compete in this soccer competition played on snow. Games will be played in two (2) 10-minute halves, with goals worth 1 point each.
Speed Skating
This skating competition consists of three different events: one lap, two laps, and a four-person relay. Teams can participate in any or all of these events. The one and two lap races are scored individually so it is possible for one team to take more than one place in these events.
Snow Volleyball
Teams of no more than twelve will compete in this volleyball competition played on snow. Rally scoring will be used and games will be played to 25 points.
Tug of War
Teams of eight will compete at the SDC practice fields. There is a 5 minute time limit for each match and the tournament is single elimination. To win teams must pull the center of the rope over a designated marker
Banner Paintings
Organizations will receive a cloth banner from Blue Key and be given two weeks of school time to paint their designs on the cloth. The organizations will then return the banners to Blue Key to distribute them to the downtown Houghton businesses for display. Students, community members, and visitors will then be able to vote for their favorite banners by either voting online or filling out a paper ballot and placing it in the corresponding banner’s ballot box.
Royalty

Josie Edick
Winter Carnival Royal Majesty
Pronouns: She/Her
I’m Josie Edick, the Winter Carnival Royalty representative for Tau Kappa Epsilon! I’m a fifth-year chemical engineering major and will be graduating this spring. I’m not sure where I’ll be working yet after graduation, but I hope to make a difference in people's lives using my degree. I grew up in North Muskegon, MI, and have three older brothers, two of which graduated from Michigan Tech. I’m involved in a lot on campus, but I am most involved in the Society of Women Engineers and my sorority, Delta Phi Epsilon. I’m grateful for all of the lessons I’ve learned through my leadership positions and the lifelong friends I have found in these organizations. I enjoy reading, hiking, working out, and spending time outside in any way that I can. My newest hobby is backpacking, which I’m still learning the ropes for but I fell in love with after backpacking in the Porcupine Mountains this summer. My favorite thing about Winter Carnival is that it gives a new appreciation for snow and shows all of the different ways you can have fun with it. I love Winter Carnival and Michigan Tech, and I am honored to be a candidate for Winter Carnival Royalty this year!

Lilly Bolliger
1st Runner Up
Audience Choice Award
Pronouns: She/Her
Hello everyone, my name is Lilly Ann Bolliger and I am a 4th year mathematics student at Michigan Technological University. I have been in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) since my first semester in 2019. Through this program I will be commissioning as a second lieutenant into an Air Force Intelligence career in Spring 2023. Besides being a student and a cadet, I am currently the president of a professional service organization, Arnold Air Society (AAS), chapter at Tech. I am also a proud member of the Husky Swim Club, Keweenaw Ultramarathon Club, MTU Ski and Snowboard Club, and Pickleball Club. In my free time, I enjoy mountain biking, open water swimming, climbing, downhill skiing, and playing IM basketball and soccer. Currently, I work as a lifeguard and swim instructor at MTU's student development complex. Prior to college, I graduated Wayland High School and grew up in Gun Lake, MI. After graduation, I’m excited to bring my many experiences, and love for pasties, to Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo, TX.

Emily Calhoun
2nd Runner Up
Pronouns: She/Her
Hello! I’m Emily Calhoun, I am a third year Chemical Engineering student here at Tech. I am originally from Trenton, MI. I am representing Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity in this year’s Winter Carnival Royalty competition. I have had the opportunity to be a part of a few leadership involvements and co-curriculars including Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority, the new “tiny knitz” club, and being an Orientation Team Leader this past fall. I have an on campus job as a tour guide for the admissions office. Also, I am newly part of Dr. Yixin Liu’s molecularly imprinted polymer based biosensors laboratory. These opportunities have allowed me to contribute to the awesome Michigan Tech community. One thing I really love about being a husky is being able to participate in Tech traditions like broomball, Homecoming, and Winter Carnival, of course! Outside of academics and co-curriculars, I like to spend my free time snowboarding, ice skating, weight lifting, contributing to community service and philanthropic events, and hanging out in downtown Houghton at the local shops and restaurants. I am so excited to be a part of Winter Carnival Royalty this year with all of the other remarkable finalists!

Lila Johnson
Congeniality Award
Pronouns: She/Her
Hey everybody! I’m Lila Johnson, a third-year statistics student graduating this spring. I’m extremely excited to be representing MUB Board at Winter Carnival this year. As the Marketing Chair for MUB I am in charge of all posters, table tents and social media posts to ensure the student body is aware of and excited about our upcoming events. On campus I am also the leader of the women’s Bible study for InterVarsity and a grader for MA3160 (Calc III), which have both been extremely rewarding. I have been able to connect with amazing people and spread my love of math to first- and second-year students, which has been awesome. I love sports and spend most of my free time watching or reading about them, even though it can be painful due to my Chicago Bears and Notre Dame fandoms. My favorite place to watch football on the weekends is the loft of Cyberia Cafe while drinking an iced Leprechaun. I’m originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, so living in Houghton was quite the change for me, but it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. I hope everyone has a fun and warm Winter Carnival!

Emma Quinn
Pronouns: She/Her
Hi everyone, I’m Emma Quinn and happy 101st Winter Carnival! As a fourth year Materials Science and Engineering student with a minor in Electronic Materials, my time at Michigan Tech has been nothing short of eventful. Through this Royalty competition, I hope to show just how much MTU, and the Keweenaw, have become home for me. My involvement in Delta Zeta, the Society of Women Engineers, Advanced Metalworks Enterprise, and many more campus organizations and activities have allowed me to become deeply rooted in my communities. Living in the Keweenaw introduced me to the adventure of Yooperlite hunting, the joys of Breakers bonfires with friends, and the delicacy that is a pasty. Beyond my studies, I’m an avid knitter (scarves only), traveler (ask me about Denmark!), and concert-goer (all genres). As the Winter Carnival season kicks into full swing, I’m honored to continue this tradition as a Royalty candidate. I’m excited for all that this experience has in store, and I wish you a happy Winter Carnival!

Hannah Quinn
Pronouns: She/Her
Hello, my name is Hannah Quinn and I am a graduating Chemical Engineering student from Lake Orion, MI. It is a true honor to be a Royalty finalist and to represent Delta Phi Epsilon, Beta Sigma Theta, and my generous sponsor! Winter Carnival has always been my favorite Tech tradition, allowing students to perform skits for Stage Revue and stomp their heart out on the statue form. Throughout my college career, I have been involved in Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority as President and Winter Carnival Chair. I have also served on the executive board of both Order of Omega Greek Honor Society and the Panhellenic Council. Outside of my Greek involvements, I work at the Keweenaw Brewing Company, swim for the Husky Swim Club, am an avid Broomball player, the Social Chair for Ski and Snowboard Club, and was awarded Female Intramural Athlete of the Year in 2021. In my free time, I love to travel, hike, ski, and volunteer. I am incredibly grateful for my education and involvement opportunities because it has shown me how down-to-earth and unique this community is. I am so honored to be a Michigan Tech Husky!

Madi Owens
Pronouns: She/Her
Hello! My name is Madi Owens and I am a 3rd-year student studying Chemical Engineering with a minor in Sustainable Biomaterials from Delton, Michigan. I am currently the scholarship and alumni relations chair for Theta Chi Epsilon, the Vice President of the Keweenaw Youth for Climate Action, and a Biggby barista! I love traveling and this year I have been to Germany, England, and The Netherlands. In my free time, I enjoy all outdoor activities like snowboarding and hiking. If I am not outside, you can typically find me snuggled up on the couch with a hot chocolate rewatching Criminal Minds or Gravity Falls. Growing up in Michigan, I am a big fan of the winter, and Winter Carnival is definitely my favorite time of the year. I am so excited to represent Theta Chi Epsilon and Sigma Phi Epsilon this year! Happy Winter Carnival!

Sara Gelon
Pronouns: She/Her
Hello! My name is Sara Gelon and I am honored to be nominated for Winter Carnival Royalty. I am a third year majoring in Psychology with a minor in Mathematical Sciences. I am thankful for the education, experiences, and opportunities MTU has provided me. I am a member of Alpha Gamma Delta, Order of Omega, and an OAP log rolling instructor. I give back to the local community by volunteering my time at 31 Backpacks, the Copper Country Humane Society, blood drives, and of course Make a Difference Day! I absolutely love Winter Carnival and I am very excited to be a part of the Royalty Competition. I have just completed my internship through the Center for Student Mental Health and Well-Being where I was able to help the student population better their mental health. Through my experience with my internship and being a RA, I learned that I want to dedicate my career to helping people improve their mental health and day to day lives. After I graduate, I plan to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, then earn my PhD in Clinical NeuroPsychology. I am proud to call Houghton home and would be honored to be the Winter Carnival Royalty Majesty. Thank you!
Schedule of Events
View Schedule in Events Calendar Student ParticipationThe most up-to-date sports schedules can be found on the Michigan Tech Huskies website. Watch games on Huskies Live and FloHockey.tv.
Winter Carnival Special Events for participating organizations, registered participants only may compete; spectators welcome.
Stage Revue
Lights, camera, action! In a tradition that’s been going strong since 1946, Huskies competing for the coveted Winter Carnival trophy (and Stage Revue bragging rights) put their all into auditioning, rehearsing, and performing skits. Come join in the laughter and applause as they’re judged on acting quality, technical production, good taste, originality, theme, and entertainment value. Vote for the Audience Choice winner.
Comedian
Come one, come all, and welcome comedian member Mikey Day! Blue Key and Late Night Programming are hosting the hilarious Is it Cake host, SNL cast member, and stand-up comedian during Winter Carnival!
Meet the Student Organizers

Blue Key National Honor Society is an organization that strives for the goals of excellence in academics, development of leadership, and service to the community. Blue Key was established to organize and coordinate the Michigan Technological University Winter Carnival in a fair and equitable manner to serve the surrounding community. Overall, Blue Key sets standards for recognizing excellence in leadership in college activities and in scholarship.
Contact: bluekey@mtu.edu | 906-487-2818
Participate
Student Participation Forms
- Royalty Competition Entry Form
- Month Long Statues Application
- All Nighters Application
- Special Events Registration
- Stage Revue Application
- Banner Voting
Carnival Rule Book
The rules, important dates, and contact information for every event Winter Carnival event. This rule book is your organization's guide to participation in Winter Carnival.
Become an Event Vendor
An application is required for any organization wishing to set up a booth during All-Nighter. A $5 non-refundable fee, in the form of a check payable to Blue Key, is required with the submission of this application. All vendors must attend the Vending Safety meeting held prior to Winter Carnival.
Only registered Michigan Tech student organizations and campus departments can participate as vendors during Winter Carnival.
Organizations wishing to sell food other than baked goods or prepackaged products must be licensed to sell these items by the Western UP Health Department, or use the licensed on-campus dining services kitchen. Each organization is solely responsible for obtaining this license. Organizations violating any health department rules will not be able to distribute food during All-Nighter.
Parking
In order to accommodate Winter Carnival, the following parking lots will be available free of charge for visitors and will not require a parking permit:
- Lot 9 (commuter lot by the Rozsa)
- Lot 5 (graduate student lot by the Rozsa)
- Lot 27 (visitor lot between the Administration Building and MUB)
Additionally, there will be free parking during the day at all metered areas throughout Winter Carnival. There is no overnight parking at the meters. Visitors requiring overnight parking may park in Lot 10W (commuter lot adjacent to residential Lot 10E, located east of Rozsa — opposite side of Cliff Drive) without a permit.
All residential and faculty/staff lots will continue to be monitored for proper permits. For any questions regarding parking regulations, contact Transportation Services at 906-487-1441.
Donors
*denotes product donor
Corporate ($1000+)
- Houghton Super 8 Motel (Ruth E. Wisti)
- Magnuson Copper Crown Hotel
- Pacific Coast Holdings LLC
- Jim's Pizza
- Scott Xiong
- Office of the President
- City of Houghton
- Director, Residence Education & Housing Services
- Inter-Residence Housing Council (IRHC)
Copper ($500-$999)
- Keweenaw Brewing Company LLC (Richard & Stasia Gray)
- Edward Jones
- Copper Country Management Inc
- Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering
- College of Science and Arts
- Graduate School
- Dean of Students & VP for Student Affairs
- VP for Advancement and Alumni Engagement
- Pavlis
- Center for Diversity and Inclusion
Gold ($250-$499)
- William & Wilma Verrette
- Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of Houghton Inc
- Copper Country Ford Inc
- Quincy Dining Company Inc (Robert & Susan Grasseschi)
- City of Hancock
- College of Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering - Engineering Mechanics
- Chemistry
- Provost & Senior VP for Academic Affairs
- VP for Diversity and Inclusion
- Keweenaw Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Inc
- Range Limited Inc
Silver ($100-$249)
- Gino's Restaurant
- Finlandia University
- Vinyl Truth
- Focus Restaurant Concepts
- Portage Quilt House LLC
- Aire Care (John E. Koski)
- Suomi Home Bakery & Restaurant
- Keweenaw Dental PLLC
- Peterson's Fish Market
- Wallace Southerland
- Keweenaw Automotive Inc
- Peterlin Bros. Co. (Ferdinand Peterlin)
- Century 21 North Country Agency (G. David Jukuri)
- Chemical Engineering
- Engineering Fundamentals
- Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology
- Mathematical Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Athletic Director
- VP for University Relations and Enrollment
- Surplus Outlet Inc
- Ramada Inn-Waterfront Fountainhead Asset Management LLC
- North Wind Books
- UP Engineers & Architects Inc
- The Print Shop
Bronze ($5-$99)
- Madison A. Aude
- Elisabeth G. Fitzpatrick
- Advance Tec Body Repair
- Coppertown USA Inc
- Rachel M. May